#445 - Parliament Debates Whether Perfume Is a Basic Need & Yeo’s LKY Drink Packets
Oct 5, 2023
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Economist and politician Jamus Lim joins the podcast to discuss whether perfume should be a basic necessity or aspirational good in Singapore. The debate also touches on the use of Lee Kuan Yew's image on drink packets and the controversy surrounding it. Other topics include minimum income standards, the importance of holidays and travel, and debates over commercial endeavors and public goods.
The debate in parliament focused on defining basic needs and whether items like perfume and overseas holidays should be considered in the minimum living standard in Singapore.
The controversy surrounding the Lee Kuan Yew 100th anniversary commemorative drink centered on the commercial nature of the product and whether it accurately represented the public good associated with the commemoration.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of reducing inequality in Singapore, highlighting the need to address not only wealth inequality but also access to essential resources.
Deep dives
Controversy over the Minimum Income Standards Report
The podcast episode discusses the controversy surrounding the Minimum Income Standards (MIS) report. The report, co-authored by a professor from NUS and a sociology professor from NTU, examines the basic needs and aspirational items required for individuals to live with dignity in Singapore. Criticism arose from three ministries, claiming that the survey methodology was flawed and that the report was based on aspirational rather than essential needs. The debate in parliament focused on how to define what constitutes basic needs and whether items like perfume and overseas holidays should be considered. The podcast also delved into the implications of the report for social assistance and the importance of understanding what is important to individuals in crafting policies.
The Debate on Wants vs. Needs
The podcast explores the debate between wants and needs in determining a minimum income standard. The report's inclusion of items like perfume and overseas holidays raised questions about the definition of basic needs for individuals to live with dignity in Singapore. The government pushed back, arguing that their support programs specifically focus on essential needs, while the report captured aspirational items. The discussion in parliament also touched on the importance of understanding the changing needs of Singaporeans and the difficulty in drawing a clear line between wants and needs.
Criticism of the Lee Kuan Yew 100th Anniversary Commemorative Drink
The podcast episode addresses the controversy surrounding the Lee Kuan Yew 100th anniversary commemorative drink. Critics expressed concern over the commercial and publicity nature of the drink, which is seen as a PR move by a private company. The debate delved into the use of Lee Kuan Yew's likeness for commercial purposes and whether it accurately represents the public good associated with the commemoration. Some argued that products like stamps and coins with his face serve a different purpose, while the drink feels more commercially driven and lacks meaningful utility. The podcast also discussed related issues, such as the appropriateness of using public figures for commercial purposes and the disposal of the commemorative drink in a respectful manner.
Controversy over Singapore's Inequality and Reducing Inequality
The podcast discusses the widening inequality in Singapore and the importance of reducing it. It emphasizes the need to address not only wealth inequality but also access to essential resources. The hosts highlight the significance of reports on inequality, as they hold the ministry accountable and encourage discussion about the issue. They also mention the potential social consequences of high inequality, drawing from historical examples. Overall, the episode calls for a comprehensive effort to reduce inequality in all aspects of society.
Debate on Using Lee Kuan Yew's Image on Commemorative Packets
The podcast delves into the debate surrounding the use of Lee Kuan Yew's image on commemorative packets in Singapore. The hosts discuss the guidelines set by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth regarding the use of Lee Kuan Yew's name and image. They debate whether using his image on commercial products, even if given out for free, goes against the guidelines. The hosts express both support and concerns over the use of Lee Kuan Yew's likeness, highlighting the potential for a more philanthropic approach to commemorate his 100th birth anniversary. They also mention the need for clearer rules on the use of his image and the potential public relations implications of such decisions.
A debate about whether perfume should be classified a basic necessity or aspirational good took place in Parliament this week, as part of a discussion about what constitutes a minimum living standard in Singapore. Why does Jamus Lim think so highly of perfume? Elsewhere, the use of LKY’s likeness in LKY100 campaigns came under scrutiny this week, as people questioned whether Yeo’s packet drinks bearing his image would be disposed of properly and respectfully. What’s the big deal?
